Frankfurt University / Deutsches Filminstitut – DIF

Description: Building on the deepened knowledge about film history and film theory, the Master Programme “Film Culture” aims at providing advanced knowledge of the technical, administrative, economic, legal and curatorial aspects of archiving, programming and presenting film and AV media. The innovative programme has been designed jointly by University of Frankfurt and Deutsches Filminstitut, drawing on the profound experience in collecting, preserving and exhibiting film of the latter. Special attention is given to the challenges that surround the digitisation of analogue collections, as well as to the impact that the digital paradigm has on the medium film. The graduates will gain knowledge about strategies and practices of cinema and film culture, the production and distribution of AV content, the characteristics of the AV market as well as copyright legislation. Another thematic priority is the curation and exhibition of film and AV media in different environments like cinemas, museums, festivals and digital platforms.

Degree: Master of Arts in Film Culture: Archiving, Programming, Presentation.

Career opportunities: On completion of the programme graduates will be equipped with the insights and skills essential for a career in film heritage institutions, film and media archives, museums, cultural institutions, festivals etc. focusing on the curation and exhibition of film and AV content as well as the AV industry and broadcasting companies. Graduates have also the possibility to complete a doctoral degree (PhD).

Admission requirements: The programme is intended for students with a Bachelor in the fields of media or culture or an equivalent programme.

Applicants who did not obtain their Bachelor’s degree in the field of “Theater-, Film- and Media Studies” at the Goethe-University of Frankfurt need to provide a Transcript of Records and additional information (max. 1 page) about the study-related courses (title, CP, grade);

Knowledge of two modern foreign languages (Niveau A2) or knowledge of one modern foreign language and skills in Latin or Greek (certificates required);

University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Description: The Professional Master’s programme in ‘Heritage Studies: Preservation and Presentation of the Moving Image’ aims at teaching students the knowledge and skills required for the archiving and preservation of audiovisual materials (film, video, digital media) in an institutional context, and for making accessible such works to a range of audiences.

The first year of the programme is devoted to acquiring critical knowledge. In the first semester, the students are introduced to three broad areas of practice (Collection and Collection Management, Preservation and Restoration, and Access and Reuse) and follow a media historiography course. In the second, they specialize further, following two elective courses and writing a thesis on a topic of their own choosing. In the second year, students put their newly acquired knowledge into practice with a 14-week internship project at an institute in the field of audiovisual archiving or presentation, in the Netherlands or abroad.

The programme is designed as a full-time, 18-month programme. Courses run for one or two eight-week blocks, and consist of lectures, seminars, student presentations, field trips, and practical assignments. The teachers are members of the university’s academic staff and specialists in the fields of preservation and/or presentation of audiovisual media. Most classes are taught exclusively to students of this MA, in a group of no more than 15 students.

Degree Requirements:

The programme is intended for students with an academic Bachelor in the fields of media or culture studies, or an equivalent programme of at least three years of full-time study. Because of the restricted number of places available (15 in total), applicants will have to undergo a selection procedure. The selection committee takes into consideration the candidate’s Bachelor qualification and exam results, prior work experience in the field, motivation and English language skills. The degree programme provides an ideal opportunity for those who already have working experience in the field of preservation and/or presentation and are looking for an additional qualification; special consideration is given to such applicants.

Stuttgart State Academy of Art and Design, Germany

Description: This two-year graduate (M. A.) programme allows students to learn the possibilities of long-term preservation of analogue and digital photographs, video recordings and digital archival cultural heritage. The future “Conservators for New Media and Digital Information” (M.A.) or Preservation Managers profit from a knowledge pool of international visiting experts and cooperations with leading international institutions. During the course of study, they not only acquire technological insight, but also use real-world projects at partner institutions in Germany and elsewhere, in order to prepare for their field of activity.

The structure of the curriculum enables a heterogeneous group of students with different preliminary knowledge to compensate for deficiencies and to support special interests. All modules are rated according to the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). The master’s programme is organized into four modules: conservation, media, computer science and supporting studies. The media module focuses on three main areas: photography, video and digital information.

In the first and second semester, the focus lies on conveying the theoretical basis in the individual modules. The theory is supplemented by practical exercises. In the third semester two five-week conservation projects will be carried out in a partner institution. An internship must be completed between the second and third and/or between the third and fourth semester. The fourth semester is reserved exclusively for the preparation of the master’s thesis.

Degree requirements: Diploma or bachelor degree; portfolio with examples of previous (professional) activity and/or projects that show your interest in the content of the course; Interview; English and German language skills